BECAUSE of sheer size, Marcus Douthit, all of 6-foot-11 and 234 pounds, will be a huge factor in Mighty Sports Apparel-Philippines’ bid for a second straight international crown starting Wednesday at OCBC Arena in Singapore.
Being a naturalized Filipino, the US-born Douthit can be fielded as a local alongside two imports, assuring Mighty Sports of an imposing frontline in the Merlion Cup, resurrected after a 20-year hiatus.
Mighty Sports, behind Douthit, the former Gilas Pilipinas pillar of power, 6-foot-8 former PBA import Al Thornton, 6-4 Dewarick Antwain Spencer, and 6-11 Senegalese center Hamady N’ dyiaye, is determined to duplicate its sweep of the Jones Cup in Taiwan last July.
Providing support are 10-year pro Joseph Yeo and two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kiefer Ravena, former pro TY Tang, Gabriel and Raphael Banal and Gelo Alolino.
Mighty Sports will be pitted against the Seoul Samsung Thunders, whom they will meet in Wednesday’s inaugurals, and the Westports Malaysia Dragons, their opponents on Sept. 23.
In the other group are the Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, the Singapore Slingers and the Shanghai Sharks, who will be reinforced by two former NBA players.
Having been Gilas’ main man before, the 36-year-old Douthit said he feels no pressure.
Fact is, Douthit told sportswriters during the team sendoff party Saturday night, he is “confident (of a good showing) with the talent that we have. The locals can shoot very well.”
“There’s no room for error,” said coach Charles Tiu. “My challenge is finding the perfect combination.”
Mighty Sports-PH is being supported by HG Technology, Huishi International, Cebuana Lhuillier and Scratch It.